The Habersham County Development Authority has partnered with two local internet service providers to expand broadband access in Northeast Georgia.
Trailwave Fiber, NGN Fiber, and the development authority filed a joint grant application with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. If approved, the NTIA grant would provide fiber optic services to over 5,000 farms, homes, and businesses in Habersham, Rabun, and Banks counties.
The total estimated cost of the expansion is $29.3 million The partnership is seeking $26.3 million in grant funding. Trailwave Fiber will contribute $2.26 million toward the project and NGN Fiber will provide $740 thousand toward the project, a news release states.
Under the plan, Trailwave, a subsidiary of Habersham EMC, would expand its services in Habersham and Rabun counties. NGN Fiber would serve Banks County.
HEMC CEO Bryan Ferguson, Habersham County Director of Planning and Development Mike Beecham, and NGN Fiber CEO Paul Belk issued a joint statement on August 24 when announcing their partnership:
“We are excited about the benefits this expansion can bring to Habersham, Rabun and Banks counties. Over the last year, access to high-speed broadband has become a priority for our communities. This expansion will improve the overall quality of life, as it directly affects residents, education, healthcare and businesses.”
Award announcements are expected by the end of this year.
